Network Basics

Networking Basics

A Computer network is a combination of software and hardware.It is intended for smooth work of communication process.The basic components of a computer network  are a sender,  medium for communication and receiver.

Topology is a design of a network or pictorial representation of computer network. There are different types of topologies like Bus,Ring,Star,Tree etc.All topologies have their own advantages and disadvantages

Bus Topology

Bus : Bus topology is made up of Backbone cable, nodes and terminators at both the ends.Data travels through the single(Backbone) cable. .Biggest disadvantage is data travel through single backbone if it goes down entire network will go down.Easy to configure and cheaper compare to other topology.Suitable for small networks.

Ring Topology

Ring : All node are arranged in ring and one node is connected with two adjacent nodes.Data travel  through node to node on single path using token in uni-direction.Failure of one node affect entire network.Fault detection is difficult.Performance of ring topology is good compare to bus topology.

Star Topology

Star : All node are connected with center device (Hub or Switch) through cable.Hub handles communication among the node.Compare to bus topology, star topology is more efficient.If one link failed then it's never affect entire topology.Easy to identify faults and easy to modify.It is costlier compare to bus and ring topology.Biggest disadvantage, if hub or switch goes down entire network will do down.